Life & Work with Mia Moore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Moore. 

Hi Mia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I come from a family of visual artists. My grandfather did photography, my aunt is an interior designer, and my uncle is an art director so ultimately, I was bound to have some sort of creative bug as well. 

My focus (magnet) in school was actually music. But after not having art classes for almost 5 years, I switched to visuals I got my masters in Media Arts and Science and focused on filming and editing. I wanted to do more filming, but it was too expensive, so I tried my hand at photography. 

I used a DSLR camera and took photos at my uncle’s surprise party and was told the photos were amazing. I took that and ran with it. I believe my 2nd successful shoot was actually a Janet Jackson concert in 2017 that I snuck my camera into. After that, I connected with my photography partner and started practicing studio shoots. I continued buying concert tickets and getting my camera in to expand my portfolio. 

Now I’m with accredited media and can do most concerts at my discretion. I am now a full-time photographer and videographer specializing in weddings, portraits, and concerts. I also am a co-owner of a photography studio. We rent the studios to other photographers and guide them as well when needed. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely been difficult with, possibly, my most difficult time being right now. I quit my full-time job in December of 2021, and I was doing great. Now all of the sudden my bookings are at an all-time low. During the pandemic, ironically, business was booming! 

As far as concerts, it can be hard when you’re rejected to shoot a show, or the lighting is horrible. In the beginning, the 3-song rule was really hard to get over. 

Other struggles have been the change in algorithms on Instagram, where my work isn’t being seen like it used to, and it makes me feel like I’m not good at what I do. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently specialize in portraits, concerts, weddings, and events. I don’t care to do events, but I will when bookings are low. 

I’m still finding my “thing” to set me apart and at the moment. In concerts, it’s a very strong black and white shot of the artist. I also specialize in low-light photography. The way our current studio is set up, I do a very uncommon shot at the end of the session along with a headshot silhouette. 

I’m most proud of my Janet Jackson photos from Louisville this year (snuck the camera in) and a silhouette I took of my brother and nephew that Nicki Minaj liked on Twitter. 

What sets me apart is my determination. I’m very small in stature, but I do major things. It’s rare I take no for an answer, and I’ll keep pushing until I get what I’m after, whether that’s shooting certain show or getting a specific shot. 

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
For me, I reached out to my partner at random to use his studio. From there, I just asked if he had suggestions for my shoot. He helped out without hesitation. From there, I just kept popping up and ultimately letting him know I’m not going away lol. 

All you have to do is ask! There are gatekeepers and people who will charge you to help you. Avoid them. Literally, just ask and try to be specific in what you want. Also, be committed! Don’t just show up to a shoot once and never return unless you’ve changed your mind. Commitment is BIG and speaks volumes. 

Contact Info:

• Website: Sheshoots317.com
• Instagram: @SheShoots317
• Twitter: @SheShoots317

Image Credits
@SheShoots317